Think Like a Kid

Danielle Mimbs
  • 5.0 (28)
  • Education

Whether you’re in the classroom, the carpool lane, or halfway through your coffee, let’s stop guessing and start teaching the way kids actually learn. Think Like a Kid is your weekly chat to unlearning the "sit still and listen" methods of the past and giving your child a true educational advantage. Hosted by Danielle Mimbs–mom of three, former teacher, and Learning Behavior Specialist, each episode delivers brain-based strategies and creative STEAM ideas that turn learning into play. We ditch the one-size-fits-all approach to focus on how kids actually learn: through movement, curiosity, and connection. It’s time to make learning fun again and give your child the best head start to early learning! How? By thinking like a kid!

  1. 2d ago

    Episode 31: Things We’ve Normalized in Elementary School That I Don’t Agree With

    What if some of the things we consider normal in elementary school are actually getting in the way of learning? As a former elementary teacher and learning behaviour specialist, I’m sharing eight common school practices I think we need to rethink. And honestly, some of them are things I used to do myself! From traditional homework and timed maths tests to taking away recess and rewarding kids for being fast, I’m breaking down why being good at school isn’t always the same as being a good learner. I want us to focus less on compliance and performance and more on understanding, confidence, curiosity, and problem-solving. In this episode, I cover: Why I question traditional homework and reading logsThe problem with timed maths tests and rewarding speedWhy understanding should come before memorisationWhy recess shouldn’t be used as punishmentWhy sitting still doesn’t always mean paying attentionThe importance of developmentally appropriate handwriting expectationsHow praising academic achievement can affect a child’s identityWhat we can praise instead to build confidence and persistenceYour "Think Like a Kid" Homework This Week: Notice what you praise your child for. Instead of focusing only on correct answers or finishing quickly, celebrate when they keep trying, think of another solution, or work through something difficult. Recommended Episodes: Episode 28: Reminder: Focus on the PROCESS Over the PRODUCTEpisode 29: : IEP vs. 504Episode 23: Seven Outdated Preschool Habits to Leave BehindIf you loved this conversation, make sure you're following the show so you never miss an episode or a quick win. And hey, if you're looking for a way to bring this 'think like a kid' energy into your daily learning, check out my STEAM Made Preschool Curriculum: https://stan.store/steammadesimple/p/the-steam-made-simple-preschool. It's the best way to give your child a head start with an educational advantage that actually feels like play. You can also connect with me on Instagram @STEAMMadeSimple for daily tools, behind-the-scenes stories, and playful learning ideas.

  2. Oct 6

    Episode 30: Why Your Kid Melts Down When They Make a Mistake

    Have you ever watched your child completely fall apart because they couldn’t figure something out right away? In this episode, I’m talking about why kids who are used to being “the smart one” can struggle so much when learning finally feels hard. I’m sharing why we sometimes accidentally teach kids that being smart means getting the right answer, and what we can do instead. Rather than immediately rescuing or fixing the problem, I want to help kids learn that confusion, mistakes, and struggle are part of figuring things out. In this episode, I cover: Why perfectionism can make mistakes feel so overwhelmingHow being praised for being “smart” can affect how kids see themselvesWhy rescuing kids can take away valuable learning momentsHow STEAM challenges naturally build problem-solving and persistenceWhat to say when your child says, “I can’t do it”How to help kids build a “not yet” mindsetYour "Think Like a Kid" Homework This Week: The next time your child says, “I can’t do it,” pause before jumping in. Try asking, “What have you tried?” or “Do you want a hint or another minute to figure it out?” Recommended Episodes: Episode 28: Reminder: Focus on the PROCESS Over the PRODUCTEpisode 12: How to Challenge Your Child Without Overwhelming ThemEpisode 23: Seven Outdated Preschool Habits to Leave BehindIf you loved this conversation, make sure you're following the show so you never miss an episode or a quick win. And hey, if you're looking for a way to bring this 'think like a kid' energy into your daily learning, check out my STEAM Made Preschool Curriculum: https://stan.store/steammadesimple/p/the-steam-made-simple-preschool. It's the best way to give your child a head start with an educational advantage that actually feels like play. You can also connect with me on Instagram @STEAMMadeSimple for daily tools, behind-the-scenes stories, and playful learning ideas.

  3. Sep 29

    Episode 29: IEP vs. 504

    If you’ve ever heard the terms IEP and 504 and thought, Wait, what’s the difference? this episode is for you. I’m breaking down what these plans actually mean, how they differ, and why having a diagnosis does not automatically mean a child qualifies for an IEP or a 504. I’m also sharing examples of how the same diagnosis can lead to very different supports depending on what a child actually needs at school. Most importantly, I want parents to understand that educational performance is about more than grades and that knowing your rights matters. In this episode, I cover: The difference between an IEP and a 504Disability-related access vs. specially designed instructionWhy a diagnosis does not automatically mean eligibilityHow the same diagnosis can result in different supportsWhy good grades don’t always tell the whole storyWhy parents need to know their rights and advocate for their childFeatured Resources Mentioned in this Episode: Parent PlaybookTiered Behavior Management Playbook for TeachersYour "Think Like a Kid" Homework This Week: If you’re wondering whether your child needs additional support at school, start by asking: How is their disability affecting their education, and what does my child actually need because of it? Recommended Episodes: Episode 28: Reminder: Focus on the PROCESS Over the PRODUCTEpisode 23: Seven Outdated Preschool Habits to Leave BehindEpisode 12: How to Challenge Your Child Without Overwhelming Them If you loved this conversation, make sure you're following the show so you never miss an episode or a quick win. And hey, if you're looking for a way to bring this 'think like a kid' energy into your daily learning, check out my STEAM Made Preschool Curriculum: https://stan.store/steammadesimple/p/the-steam-made-simple-preschool. It's the best way to give your child a head start with an educational advantage that actually feels like play. You can also connect with me on Instagram @STEAMMadeSimple for daily tools, behind-the-scenes stories, and playful learning ideas.

  4. Sep 22

    Episode 28: Reminder: focus on the PROCESS over the PRODUCT

    I’m sharing a reminder I needed myself this week: the finished product is not always the point. I had a simple preschool activity planned, but my three-year-old had a completely different idea. Instead of redirecting him back to my plan, I stopped and watched what he was actually doing. In this episode, I’m talking about why following directions and completing an activity exactly as planned are not the only signs of learning. Sometimes when children take an activity in a different direction, they’re practicing problem-solving, creativity, planning, flexibility, language, and so much more. In this episode, I cover: Why the process matters more than the finished productFollowing their lead without abandoning intentional teachingThe difference between disengagement and ownershipHow play builds problem-solving and creative thinkingWhy mistakes and pivots are part of learningThe 10-second pause I use before redirecting Your "Think Like a Kid" Homework This Week: Before redirecting your child, pause for 10 seconds and ask yourself: What are they trying to do? Look for the learning underneath their idea. Recommended Episodes: Episode 23: Seven Outdated Preschool Habits to Leave BehindEpisode 12: How to Know if Your Child is Being Challenged EnoughEpisode 11: Practical Emotional Regulation Techniques That You Can Teach Your Child Today If you loved this conversation, make sure you're following the show so you never miss an episode or a quick win. And hey, if you're looking for a way to bring this 'think like a kid' energy into your daily learning, check out my STEAM Made Preschool Curriculum: https://stan.store/steammadesimple/p/the-steam-made-simple-preschool. It's the best way to give your child a head start with an educational advantage that actually feels like play. You can also connect with me on Instagram @STEAMMadeSimple for daily tools, behind-the-scenes stories, and playful learning ideas.

  5. Sep 15

    Episode 27: I Wish More Moms Knew Preschool Can Literally Be 20 Minutes a Day

    I hear it all the time: “Only 20 minutes? That can’t possibly be enough.” But I stand by it. Preschool doesn’t need to mean hours of worksheets, workbooks, or trying to squeeze every subject into a packed schedule. In this episode, I’m sharing why 20 intentional minutes can be academically valuable while also giving you something just as important: dedicated connection with your child. I talk about how one simple activity can build language, reasoning, sensory awareness, fine motor skills, and more, without your child even realising they’re “doing school.” In this episode, I cover: Why 20 intentional minutes can be enoughHow preschool can build multiple skills through one activityWhy connection matters just as much as academicsWhy more time doesn’t always mean more learningHow to make preschool feel simple instead of overwhelmingWhy kids need independent play and time to be boredHow intentional learning time can fill your bucket too Your "Think Like a Kid" Homework This Week: Pick 20 minutes. Put your phone in another room, sit with your child, and do one simple activity, read a book, count something, build, or explore. Focus on being present, not getting everything done. Recommended Episodes: Episode 23: Seven Outdated Preschool Habits to Leave BehindEpisode 18: The 15 Minute Parenting Hack That Actually WorksEpisode 20: 9-Skill Number Sense Series If you loved this conversation, make sure you're following the show so you never miss an episode or a quick win. And hey, if you're looking for a way to bring this 'think like a kid' energy into your daily learning, check out my STEAM Made Preschool Curriculum: https://stan.store/steammadesimple/p/the-steam-made-simple-preschool. It's the best way to give your child a head start with an educational advantage that actually feels like play. You can also connect with me on Instagram @STEAMMadeSimple for daily tools, behind-the-scenes stories, and playful learning ideas.

  6. Sep 8

    Episode 26: The Problem With Calling Preschoolers “Ahead”

    I’m challenging one of the most common phrases we hear about young children: “They’re ahead.” A preschooler being able to count to 49, recognize letters, or complete an advanced worksheet might look impressive, but those flashy skills only tell us one small piece of the learning puzzle. I’d much rather see a child deeply understand numbers, solve problems, communicate ideas, persist through challenges, and build strong foundational skills. In this episode, I’m breaking down why being “ahead” isn’t the same as being ready to move on, why uneven development is completely normal, and why I believe preschool should focus on going deeper rather than simply rushing children through more advanced material. In this episode, I cover: Why “ahead” can be a misleading labelRote memorization vs. true understandingWhy number sense matters more than counting to 100Why uneven learning profiles are normalWhat I look for beyond academic skillsWhy hands-on learning, movement, curiosity, and problem-solving matterWhy preschool should build strong foundations, not rush children ahead Your "Think Like a Kid" Homework This Week: Pick one skill your child already knows and ask yourself: Do they truly understand it, or can they simply repeat it? Look for ways to go deeper through play. Recommended Episodes: Episode 23: Seven Outdated Preschool Habits to Leave BehindEpisode 15: Top 3 Kindergarten Readiness SkillsEpisode 20: 9-Skill Number Sense Series If you loved this conversation, make sure you're following the show so you never miss an episode or a quick win. And hey, if you're looking for a way to bring this 'think like a kid' energy into your daily learning, check out my STEAM Made Preschool Curriculum: https://stan.store/steammadesimple/p/the-steam-made-simple-preschool. It's the best way to give your child a head start with an educational advantage that actually feels like play. You can also connect with me on Instagram @STEAMMadeSimple for daily tools, behind-the-scenes stories, and playful learning ideas.

  7. Sep 1

    Episode 25: Overwhelmed by Starting Preschool at Home? Start Here!

    Starting preschool at home can feel overwhelming when you’re trying to figure out where to begin, what your child needs to know, and whether you’re doing enough. In this episode, I’m sharing why I believe we often make preschool harder than it needs to be and how to take the pressure off. I’m breaking down how I approach preschool with my own kids, why planning and teaching should be separate, and why you don’t need a perfectly behaved child sitting at a table to know that learning is happening. Sometimes, the best thing you can do is simply start. In this episode, we cover: Why overwhelm often comes from having too many decisionsWhy planning preschool and teaching preschool should be separateWhere I recommend starting when you don't know what to doWhy hands-on learning and movement matterWhat to do if your child won't sit stillWhy falling behind isn't something to fearHow to let go of perfection and simply begin Featured Resources Mentioned in this Episode: STEAM Made Simple Preschool: A complete preschool curriculum designed to make learning at home simple, playful, and manageable. Your "Think Like a Kid" Homework This Week: Stop planning and start. Pick one simple learning activity to do with your child this week without worrying about doing preschool perfectly. Recommended Episodes: Episode 17: An Easy Activity To Do With Your Kiddo Before the School Year BeginsEpisode 22: How I'm Preparing My Kiddo for Back-to-School Season So That It's an Easy TransitionEpisode 23: Seven Outdated Preschool Habits to Leave Behind If you loved this conversation, make sure you're following the show so you never miss an episode or a quick win. And hey, if you're looking for a way to bring this 'think like a kid' energy into your daily learning, check out my STEAM Made Preschool Curriculum: https://stan.store/steammadesimple/p/the-steam-made-simple-preschool. It's the best way to give your child a head start with an educational advantage that actually feels like play. You can also connect with me on Instagram @STEAMMadeSimple for daily tools, behind-the-scenes stories, and playful learning ideas.

  8. Aug 25

    Episode 24: How to Help Kids Handle Rejection

    What do you say when your child is worried someone might say no? In this episode, I’m sharing a personal story about my preschooler navigating friendship and rejection at recess, and how I learned that preparing kids for disappointment can be more helpful than simply telling them everything will be okay. I’m talking about why confidence isn’t knowing everyone will say yes. It’s knowing you can handle yourself when things don’t go the way you hoped. I’ll share simple ways to help your child build resilience, prepare for rejection, and figure out what to do next when they hear that little word: no. In this episode, we cover: Why we shouldn’t try to protect kids from every disappointmentHow to validate your child’s fears without promising everything will work outWhy rejection doesn’t mean something is wrong with your childHelping kids understand that “no” means they can try something elseUsing role-play to prepare for tricky social situationsThe difference between confidence and expecting everything to go perfectlyHow small experiences with rejection can build resilience and perseverance Your "Think Like a Kid" Homework This Week: The next time your child tells you they’re worried something might go wrong, resist the urge to immediately tell them it won’t. Instead, ask: “What could you do if that happens?” Help them create a simple plan for what they can try next. Recommended Episodes: Episode 21: The Regulation Strategy That Always Seems to Win When My Kids Are Having Big Feelings Episode 22: How I’m Preparing My Kiddo for Back-to-School Season So That It’s an Easy Transition Episode 23: Seven Outdated Preschool Habits to Leave Behind If you loved this conversation, make sure you're following the show so you never miss an episode or a quick win. And hey, if you're looking for a way to bring this 'think like a kid' energy into your daily learning, check out my STEAM Made Preschool Curriculum: https://stan.store/steammadesimple/p/the-steam-made-simple-preschool. It's the best way to give your child a head start with an educational advantage that actually feels like play. You can also connect with me on Instagram @STEAMMadeSimple for daily tools, behind-the-scenes stories, and playful learning ideas.

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5
out of 5
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About

Whether you’re in the classroom, the carpool lane, or halfway through your coffee, let’s stop guessing and start teaching the way kids actually learn. Think Like a Kid is your weekly chat to unlearning the "sit still and listen" methods of the past and giving your child a true educational advantage. Hosted by Danielle Mimbs–mom of three, former teacher, and Learning Behavior Specialist, each episode delivers brain-based strategies and creative STEAM ideas that turn learning into play. We ditch the one-size-fits-all approach to focus on how kids actually learn: through movement, curiosity, and connection. It’s time to make learning fun again and give your child the best head start to early learning! How? By thinking like a kid!

Information

  • Creator
    Danielle Mimbs
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    32
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Danielle Mimbs
  • Show Website
    Think Like a Kid

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